Neighbors win battle against Linden Hills development

A controversial mixed-use development project in the Linden Hills neighborhood likely won't move forward after an extended and emotional hearing at City Hall Thursday.

The city's Zoning and Planning committee granted an appeal filed by neighbors who are concerned with the project's impact on the area. In particular, neighbors took issue with the development's five-story height -- two stories more than normally allowed in the area.

Residents were appealing a City Planning Commission decision last month to allow the project to move foward. The full City Council still needs to approve the appeal.

Details about the project can be found on lindencorner.com. The building would include 40 condominiums and eight business on the first floor. For a taste of the opposition, take a look at nolindencorner.com.

Spectators packed into the Council chambers Thursday, many donning buttons with a cross through a photo of the development.

"There has now been a rent in the fabric of Linden Hills," said council member Betsy Hodges, who represents the area. "It will take a long time to heal that."